Leak Detection and Repair – London & Surrey Water Services

Water Leak Detection Services

Water leaks on the customer side of your property can lead to costly water bills, property damage, and potential disruptions to your water supply. Identifying and fixing leaks early is essential for preserving your property’s water system and avoiding costly repairs in the future.

As an approved plumber, we specialise in customer-side leak detection and repair. We offer professional, reliable services to ensure your plumbing and heating systems remain water efficient, safe, and compliant with water regulations.

Whether you’re facing a sudden drop in water pressure, unusually high water bills, or visible signs of leaks such as damp spots, our expert team is here to help. We utilise advanced equipment and proven techniques to detect and repair leaks quickly and efficiently, saving you time and money.

What Is a Customer-Side Leak?

The customer side refers to the section of the water supply system that runs from the property boundary to your home, including the plumbing pipes inside your property.

While water companies are responsible for the water main and the pipes running up to the property boundary, homeowners are responsible for the water supply pipe and internal pipework on their side of the boundary. This includes leaks in underground pipes, internal plumbing, and even issues related to appliances or fixtures.

Leaks on the customer side can occur in a variety of places, including:

Underground water supply pipes between the boundary and your home
Internal plumbing systems, including pipes inside walls or under floors
Connections to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters
Fixtures like toilets, sinks, or showers

Signs of a Water Leak

Detecting leaks early is crucial to preventing water damage and avoiding high water bills. Common signs that you may have a leak on your property include:

Unexplained increase in water bills: A sudden or gradual increase in your water bills without a corresponding rise in water usage clearly indicates a potential leak.
Low water pressure: If the water pressure in your taps or showers has dropped unexpectedly, it may be due to a leak in your water supply system.
Damp patches: Wet spots on walls, floors, or ceilings, as well as areas of your garden that remain damp or water-logged, can be signs of a hidden leak.
Sound of running water: If you can hear water running when all your taps are turned off, a leak is likely in your system.
Boiler losing pressure: If your boiler is constantly losing pressure, it may be due to a leak in your central heating system.
Visible water damage: Stains, bubbling paint, or warped floors may indicate water damage from a leaking pipe.

If you notice any of these signs, acting quickly is essential. Our leak detection and repair services can pinpoint the source of the leak and address the issue before it escalates into a more significant and costly problem.

Customer-Side Leak Detection Service

Finding the exact location of a leak can be challenging, especially when the leak is hidden underground, behind walls, or within concrete floors. Our team of approved plumbers uses state-of-the-art leak detection equipment to accurately locate leaks with minimal disruption to your property.

Specialist leak detection methods

We utilise a variety of non-destructive leak detection techniques to locate leaks quickly and accurately:

Acoustic Leak Detection: This method involves using specialized listening devices to detect the sound of water escaping from pipes. It is highly effective for identifying leaks in underground pipes or within walls and floors.

Thermal Imaging: Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences in building materials, allowing us to identify leaks in internal pipework. This method is beneficial for detecting leaks behind walls or under floors without breaking through the surface.

Tracer Gas Detection: Sometimes, we use a safe, non-toxic gas to fill the pipes. The gas escapes through any leaks, and we use sensitive detectors to locate the precise point of escape.

Moisture Detection: For visible signs of dampness, we use moisture meters to assess the extent of the water infiltration and determine whether a leak is present.

Pressure Testing: By measuring the pressure in your plumbing system, we can determine whether a pressure drop may indicate a leak. This is a straightforward method for confirming a leak within your system.

Customer-Side Leak Repair Services

Once the leak is detected, our team of experts provides prompt and effective repair solutions. We are experienced in working with a variety of plumbing systems and materials, ensuring that your leak is fixed to the highest standards.

Type of leak repairs we carry out:

Underground Pipe Repairs: Leaks in the water supply pipe between the boundary and your property can often be difficult to detect and repair. We use trenchless methods like impact moling where possible, which allows us to replace or repair pipes with minimal excavation. For larger leaks, we may need to excavate the damaged section and replace the pipe to restore your water supply.

Internal Pipework Repairs: Leaks in internal plumbing systems, such as those behind walls or under floors, require precise diagnosis and repair. We use non-invasive detection methods and repair or replace the affected pipe to stop the leak and prevent further damage.

Fixture and Appliance Leak Repairs: If the leak comes from a fixture or an appliance connection, we’ll repair or replace the faulty part. This includes fixing leaking taps, toilets, sinks, showers, and water tanks.

Emergency Leak Repairs: We offer rapid emergency repair services for severe or urgent leaks that could cause significant water damage. Our team is available to respond to your leak situation promptly, minimizing potential property damage.

The Importance of Timely Leak Detection and Repair

Water leaks can lead to a range of serious issues if left unresolved, including:

Property Damage: Leaks can cause structural damage to your property over time, including weakening walls, floors, and foundations. Damp environments also promote the growth of mould, which can be harmful to your health.

High Water Bills: Even a tiny, unnoticed leak can significantly increase your water bill. Prompt leak detection and repair will help you avoid wasting water and reduce unnecessary costs.

Health Risks: Persistent leaks can lead to damp and mould growth, posing health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions. Identifying and repairing leaks helps maintain a safe and healthy living environment.

Water Supply Disruptions: If left unchecked, leaks can eventually lead to more severe damage to your plumbing system, potentially causing loss of water supply or even significant pipe bursts that require extensive repairs.

Thames Water Leakage Allowance

If you have a water meter, remember that it accounts for all water that passes through it, including any water that escapes from leaks in the supply pipe. And your bills will include the cost of the water wasted through the leak and the water you’ve used. Thames Water recognises that hidden leaks can often go unnoticed.

The leak is repaired within four weeks.
You submit your claim for the leak allowance within three months of the repair date.
The leak wasn’t caused by anyone acting negligently.
You weren’t aware you leaked – if the water loss was evident, like a dripping tap or overflowing toilet cistern, and you failed to repair the leak quickly, you won’t be entitled to a leak allowance.
The leak was repaired before Thames Water issued a Section 75 enforcement notice.

If Thames Water approves your claim, they will credit your account with any water cost accumulated on your bill. If you qualify, we can provide you with a leak allowance for leaks on any internal pipework or water fittings once. For supply pipe leaks, you can claim as many times as needed. To apply for an allowance, please visit: thameswater.co.uk/leakallowance.

Why Choose Us for Leak Detection and Repair?

As an approved plumber, we are qualified and experienced leak detection engineers handling all aspects of customer-side leak detection and repair. Our services are designed to minimise disruption to your property while ensuring a high-quality, long-lasting repair.

Key Benefits of Choosing Our Services:

Professional Expertise: Our team of leak detection specialists is fully trained in the latest leak detection and repair techniques, ensuring we can identify and fix leaks quickly and efficiently.
Advanced Equipment: We use cutting-edge leak detection tools to locate leaks accurately without requiring extensive excavation or disruption to your property.
Transparent Pricing: We provide clear and upfront pricing for all of our leak detection and repair services, so you know exactly what to expect with no hidden fees.
Fast Response: We understand that leaks must be addressed quickly to prevent further damage. Our team is available for prompt service, including emergency repairs when needed.
Customer-Focused Service: We take pride in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that we communicate clearly throughout the process and address any concerns you may have.

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